A recent episode of Wheel of Fortune aired on December 25, but it did not bring holiday joy for contestant Nathaniel Bush. The South Carolina poet faced a disappointing outcome in the Bonus Round, missing a chance to win a $100,000 prize.
Nathaniel Bush’s Performance on Wheel of Fortune
Nathaniel Bush, a certified yoga instructor from Greenville, South Carolina, competed against Staci Chastain from Visalia, California, and Debra Gorham from Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Bush struggled initially, missing the opening $1,000 Toss-Up puzzle. However, he recovered well, winning $2,000 in the second Toss-Up and accumulating a substantial lead during the Express Round.
Achievements and Prizes
- Won $3,350 in cash.
- Won a trip to New Zealand valued at $13,318.
- Total winning for the episode: $33,018 in cash and the trip.
All contestants performed well in the Triple Toss-Up, but Bush clinched his victory by solving the final Speed-Up puzzle. He entered the Bonus Round with significant momentum but soon faced a tough challenge.
Bonus Round Challenge
In the Bonus Round, Bush selected the category “What Are You Doing?” and was given the letters H, G, M, and O to aid in solving a four-word puzzle: “_ _ L _ _ N G / O N / _ / _ O O T _ R _ _ G E.” As the timer ticked down, Bush answered the first part correctly with “Walking On A Foot…,” but he faltered at the end, guessing “Foottrail.”
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Host Ryan Seacrest expressed his disappointment, saying, “It breaks my heart,” while Vanna White revealed that the correct answer was “Walking On A Footbridge.” Bush’s confusion over the term sparked a light-hearted exchange with Seacrest.
Community Reaction
The moment stirred significant reaction online, with many viewers expressing disbelief at Bush’s near miss. Comments highlighted the emotional impact of missing out on such a substantial prize, particularly on Christmas Day.
Despite the setback in the Bonus Round, Nathaniel Bush left the show with over $33,000 in cash and a memorable trip to New Zealand, which includes an exciting Lord of the Rings tour. The episode also marked the second time this week that contestants missed out on the $100,000 bonus, showcasing the unpredictability of the game.
What are your thoughts on this episode? Did you solve the puzzle? Share your opinion in the comments below.
